CBC to launch ad-free paid streaming option as part of revamped TV app

A photograph of the CBC building in Toronto on April 4, 2012. CBC says it plans to launch a paid version of a new CBC TV app that will let viewers watch programs without ads. The broadcaster says in a memo that the new app will allow users to live stream CBC TV, watch episodes on demand on the same day they're released, see ad-free children's programing, and see series not aired on the network.Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO — CBC said Monday it plans to launch a paid version of a new CBC TV app that will let viewers watch programs without ads.

The broadcaster said in a memo that the new app, which will also be available for free in an ad-supported version, will allow users to live stream CBC TV, watch episodes on demand on the same day they’re released, see ad-free children’s programing and see series not aired on the network.

“It is our hope that this new offering will entice an increasing portion of our audience to spend even more time with us each month,” said Heather Conway, executive vice-president of CBC’s English services, in the memo.

CBC said that starting Tuesday, all of its 14 regional linear channels will be live-streamed, and audiences will also be able to sign in with a CBC account to access more features.

The broadcaster said it will cost $4.99 for the ad-free, premium version of the new CBC TV app.

It says the app is part of its expanding offerings to new digital platforms as customers get more of their content from digital services such as Netflix.

CBC says more than 1.1 million unique visitors used the CBC TV digital service in November.